Triple-threat tutor
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Contemplate the body-mind-spirit connections with unique courses this winterby
by SIOBHAN O'CONNOR
Since going back to school can be about as difficult and tedious as keeping your New Year's resolutions, here are a few suggestions of courses you can take that'll ease you off the couch and into the wild world of learning. Since many higher-learning establishments have expanded their curricula to include courses focussing on the body-mind-spirit trinity, here's a run-down of unique ways to keep you contemplating the ever-confusing connection between these three sacred sections of yourself. And since people have been baffled by this one since we began walking upright, there's no real pressure to get the answer right.
Body talk
Hip hop hooray
Having caught on to the London-based trend of hip hop dance classes, Da Angelo productions offers up a brand-new course for all aspiring b-boys and b-girls in Montreal. Da Angelo brings his 20 years experience as a dancer to a hip hop dance class that--unlike most other classes of this type that try to pass Britney Spears and the Spice Girls off as hip hop--uses the real stuff. The curriculum includes basic breakdancing, street jazz and other genres of street-based dance. The course is 10 weeks long, $145, at Studio Bizz (551 Mont-Royal E.). Info: 482-7316 or 865-0472.
On Broadway
Leigh Torlage, a renowned local dance instructor, is offering an exciting New York Jazz dance class this winter. Making it clear that this is not a "Modern Jazz" dance class, Torlage promises expressive, sharp and dynamic choreographies to a range of music, including '20s standards. With ballet as a foundation, Torlage teaches a Broadway-like style, emulating greats from Broadway's song-and-dance heyday. Register any time. Classes are twice weekly, prices vary: $15 for one class; $70 for five; $130 for 10; and $180 for 15 classes. At Studio Bizz (551 Mont-Royal E.). Info: 844-9786.
Poetry in motion
Capoeira, a unique Afro-Brazilian martial art (or dance, depending on who you ask), has become the new It thing to do. Behind its trendiness, though, is a layered history and complex physical fitness system that takes a lifetime to master. Lucky for aspiring Capoeiristas, there's no shortage of competent instructors in Montreal, and a plethora of new centres have recently mushroomed throughout the city. Ongoing courses are available at many places, among them is the Capoeira Regional Porto da Barra school (5425 Bordeaux), $150 for three months. Info: 523-1282.
Heart of dance
This workshop series brings movement to the heart of things with interpretative and meditative dance, as well as auto-massage movement. The five Chinese elements are explored with movement, as are the seasons. The only prerequisite is a "desire to move." Expect to be doing all sorts of stuff with your eyes closed, following your breath. The course is 12 weeks long, $150 in total, in the Belgo building (372 Ste-Catherine W.). Info: 495-1486.
Passive, aggressive
There's a new martial art on the block which, like most others, has actually existed for ages, but has only recently become easy to find in Montreal. Chindai is an energetic martial art that is defensive and almost entirely non-violent, focussing first and foremost on protection as opposed to aggression. With a focus on the entire body and mind, Chindai stimulates circulation, balance, full-body strength and stamina as well as aiding concentration, well-being and temperament. Courses are $110/three months at the Chindai Centre (178 St-Viateur W.). Info: 948-0708.
Little drummer boy
For those who can't or don't want to keep up with the frenetic drumming at the Mountain every Sunday, Adama is a local hand-drummer guy who holds private and group classes. This seasoned drummer offers classes in Senegalese, Guinean and Mali drumming. If you have your own drum, great, if not, Adama can provide them for you. Courses begin any time you're ready. Call 849-5075 for info.
Mind on the matter
My philosophy
The New Acropolis, a bastion of East-meets-West philosophy, offers a 12-seminar lecture series in a Classical style. With a focus on developing active (as in, everyday) philosophy, the series encourages students to take ancient and far-East teachings and apply them to their lives. The series includes: Millennial India, a look at the laws that govern the universe (dharma, karma); Mysteries of Tibet, an exploration into the philosophies in this political hot spot; The Wisdom of Rome, a look at the Stoics and "man's internal power." Talks on Neoplatanism, the Extreme Orient and Buddhist Philosophy are also on the list. The series lasts 12 weeks, $210/regular, $150/students at the New Acropolis (1439 St-Mathieu). Info: 932-2480. Courses are also available in French at another St-Denis location. Call for details.
Compute this!
With technical restraints becoming increasingly built-in to the average lifestyle, the Linux operating system allows you a chance to free your mind. A bit. Norwegian prodigy Linus Torvalds developed this operating system with the idea of offering a completely functional and free system available to all. The advent of Linux brought the Open Source movement, considered the first popular socialist trend in computing. Linux is now the favoured operating system of programmers, script-kiddies and Net-heads worldwide. Take that, Gates. To take the Intro to Linux course, previous computer knowledge is required, but not necessarily formal education. The course is eight weeks long, $1.90 per course hour (plus nominal fees) at Vanier College (815 Ste-Croix). Info: 744-7000.
Mind for mystery
Fine-tune your inner detective skills (and your resolution to read a little more) with The Detectives: Exploring a Literary Genre. This lit course offers an in-depth look at the detective genre with a focus on honing students' abilities for "rational inquiry." Bookish delights include works by Jorge Luis Borges, Raymond Chandler, Paul Auster and more. The course runs for 12 weeks, $110 (negotiable for seniors and limited-income people), at the Thomas More Institute (3405 Atwater). Info: 935-9585.
Popular mechanics
Strap on your coveralls and thinking cap if you want to put your mind to work with the body of a finely oiled automobile. As it happens, basic mechanics courses aren't very basic at all: most of them are part of larger engineering programs and take close to a year to finish. A rudimentary understanding of the inner-workings of cars is recommended but some beginners' classes start at square one. Many garages welcome apprentices. For a more formal course, McGill's engineering department offers one. The course is 10 weeks long, call for prices. Info: 398-4974.
Mindful art
Au Papier Japonais, the quaint and artsy Japanese paper boutique and workshop, has expanded exponentially and now hosts about two workshops a week. The workshops vary and include a medley of things, most of which involve paper and what is called "mindful" artistry. Workshops throughout the season include origami, sushi-making, kite-making and lantern design. This month's are: Passion for Puppets (Jan. 13); Peronal Book, which includes paper-making and book-binding (Jan. 18); Watercolours on Washi, which teaches students how to use the most liquid paints on such delicate paper (Jan. 20); Paper-making (Jan. 28) and more. These are one-session workshops that you come out of with new skills. Prices range from $30-80. At Au Papier Japonais (24 Fairmount W.). Info: 276-6863.
Spirit
Mind-boggling mystics
Since everyone from Madonna to your grandmother has jumped on the Kabbalah party train, you may want to figure out what everyone's been talking about. This ancient, mystical branch of Jewish wisdom has baffled people by the truckloads for thousands of years--and it's doubtful that its recent boom in popularity has cleared things up much--but a seminar in something you may never understand never hurt anyone. Kabbalah: Principles of Jewish Mystical Wisdom in Everyday Life is one such course hoping to shed a little light on this nebulous tradition. It's a six-hour series, $65, at Vanier College (815 Ste-Croix). Info: 744-7000.
East meets West
Kankala, the Plateau-based Tibetan Buddhism centre, offers a range of courses, seminars and, of course, retreats for spiritual types as well as those who regard spirituality as a tool for self-betterment. With an emphasis on the everyday aspects of Mahayana Buddhist teachings, topics include Buddhist Psychology, guided meditation and application of sacred texts to one's own urban Western life. The folks at Kankala insist you don't have to be (or want to be) Buddhist to take part. Prices are based on a sliding scale ($3-7) and begin whenever you're ready (Sundays and Tuesdays) at Kankala (2001 Berri, #302). Info: 521-2529.
The ultimate connection
There's no shortage of spirit-awareness courses out there, but the Intro to the Chakra System seems to bring the body, mind and spirit together for a little ménage a trois. According to the chakra system, our bodies are divided into seven major "energy wheels" that reflect the essence of a person. When not aligned, the entire system is thrown out of whack. This course takes a look at ways to align one's chakras to bring a greater happiness and balance into one's life. Students are asked to bring a towel, comfy clothes and crayons (!?). The course is a one-shot deal that lasts seven hours, $75, at Vanier College (815 Ste-Croix). Info: 744-7000.
Glass palace
Nothing soothes the soul like a little artsy jaunt and the Studio du Verre invites one and all to master one of the trickiest, most seemingly difficult (though allegedly quite simple) art forms: stained glass. This Old Montreal atelier offers courses for aspiring artisans as well as professionals. Studio time for the beginners' course involves the making of a stained glass window from an original design (yours, that is). Private workshops are also available for long-term projects. The beginners' course is five weeks long, $159 (includes all materials and a glass-cutter) and are available both day and night at Studio du Verre (515 Bonsecours). Info: 842-3968.
Bottom up
Because there are hundreds of nerve endings and close to 30 major pressure points in our feet, sometimes people need a little more than a bath to ease pain and relieve stress. Which is sort of where reflexology--a kind of spirit-body healing technique--can help. By stimulating different pressure points in the foot, our entire bodies can be realigned, doing the same to the spirit. Or something. Most courses offer certification and are divided into theory and practical study. Classes are available at the Institut québécoise de reflexologie intégrale (4662 St-Urbain), prices depend on level and type of training. Info: 845-1049.
From the inside
"Environmental design" is just one of the many euphemisms for the ueber-trendy catch words Feng Shui. This Chinese art of interior design (as in: where you put things, what colours you use, the kind of light, plants, artwork and so on) is one that is said to promote personal and spiritual well-being and harmony. As well, this artful, superstitious practice is believed to be able to increase prosperity and good fortune in your daily life. To learn exactly where to hang that new painting you got for Christmas, try the three-week long course at Champlain College (900 Riverside), $95. Info: (450) 672-7364.
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